Netbook Shopping

[Goldencarnage]

Hi, I'm currently looking to buy a netbook for my Mom. A laptop is not an option because she needs internet access w/o paying for Cable. I'd like to buy something cheap but durable. It doesn't have to be too fast or anything. Just an average notebook. Thanks!

[vagus]

Find one that has a semi-full keyboard. My mom has one that has a mini-keyboard and it's annoying as hell to get to some keys. Other then that, there all about the same.

[Goldencarnage]

Ok thanks I'll keep that in mind. My mom isn't very tech savy so I need something kinda simple. I was thinking about getting her the Galaxy Tab from at&t but not sure if she could figure out how to work it lol. Ipad is out of the question btw (too expensive and I'm buying it for myself :D ) Stupid question but all netbooks can be signed up with at&t internet plan right?

[Izzy]

ummmmmm

Those aren't netbooks.

[Goldencarnage]

ummmmmm

Those aren't netbooks.

Oh wow... I feel really stupid lol. Thanks for clearing that up.

[Senji]

Can get her an internet stick, or tether to a phone.

As far as netbooks, Asus Eee all the way.

[Elesirdur]

Big second on an ASUS Eee PC. Your mom might not need it, but look for a unit with the dual-core Pineview N550 Atom processors. They draw less power than the single-cores and are better for multi-tasking. I think Pineview-equipped models have come down in price quite a bit over the last 6 months or so, though they're probably not on the entry level 10" models at the ~$300 price.

I purchased the 1015PEM last year for school and it's been amazing: http://ca.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=4Bf6sc0o5FMGABzh . The smaller keyboard does take a little getting used to, but I liked ASUS's keyboard design over the netbooks by HP and Acer. However, I use it frequently in class and for writing papers and I found it only took a week or two to adjust to the slightly smaller layout. I'm 6'3" with average sized hands for someone my height, so I'm sure your mum can adapt easily.

ASUS also makes some 12" models in the Eee line, though I have no idea what they are like compared to other 12" mini-laptops.

Edit: As for Internet tethering, your cell provider should have some kind of 'rocket stick' or USB cellular adapter. Beware though, laptops chew through data like nobody's business so it might be cheaper to get a slow DSL connection at home than pay for a cellular data plan. It's worth costing it out though; second-tier ISP's can offer some pretty cheap deals (at least here in Canada).

[Rellikard]

Yeah if you're getting a netbook, definitely go with a 11.6" or 12" display because they usually have a full size keyboard as well. Also I know there's a new HP mini that just came out for $379 at Best Buy. 250GB HDD, 3GB of RAM, Win7 Home Premium instead of the current standard for netbooks Win7 Starter. Haven't seen it on their site, only in-store.

[Goldencarnage]

So I figured some of the costs buying a netbook and portable wifi spot would be and it looks like it is gonna be around $350. Sooooo since she is my mother and all and since I'm already so high up I figure maybe I should pay the extra $50 and get a refurbished Ipad 16 gb 3G enabled (1st gen) for her. I have a few questions though. 1st she doesn't own any touchscreen devices but I figured since Apple products are so user friendly maybe it's worth a shot? Next, has anyone bought an Ipad for an older relative before? How did they like it?

[Stumblingdrunk]

This thread is amazing. You know you're not looking for a netbook, right? Get your terminology straight and someone will give you a relevant answer.

[The Stig]

So I figured some of the costs buying a netbook and portable wifi spot would be and it looks like it is gonna be around $350. Sooooo since she is my mother and all and since I'm already so high up I figure maybe I should pay the extra $50 and get a refurbished Ipad 16 gb 3G enabled (1st gen) for her. I have a few questions though. 1st she doesn't own any touchscreen devices but I figured since Apple products are so user friendly maybe it's worth a shot? Next, has anyone bought an Ipad for an older relative before? How did they like it?

I can relate to this.

Both my dad and mum owns an iPad. It has opened up the world of, although restricted, online porn to my dad and he can search for his own interests via google. Before, they struggled to even turn on a PC and open internet explorer, and also struggled to use a mouse despite my patience in teaching them. And the keyboard takes them ages to type anything.

For my mum, she is happily playing the free or cheap games from the App Store. She listens to this Chinese Radio Station. She e-mails her relatives. It helps that we can configure the ipad to be chinese, although I canrelate that your mum understands english perfectly fine, so should have no problem.

The very fact there's only 1 button simplifies things more. I just advice them to poke poke poke poke. If you get stuck, hit the bottom button and go back and try again.

There's no shortcuts or buttons to remember, nothing. Onscreen keyboard is better for them to use, as again, they just poke.

They also have "something to do now". Before, it was playing on the Nintendo DS, although we had to constantly hunt for games which got annoying. And those games usually weren't completed. Otherwise, they'd watch TV or do something else like read, or just fall asleep.

With the iPad I feel it is stimulating their minds more, and keeping them active.

Oh, also, youtube. They watch a lot of youtube from around the world.

Just don't bother with saying "you can put 100 albums and 100 films" on there or you'd need to step in to put it in there for them. I feel it is useless for them anyway. The focus is not on that, if they want that stuff, stick with CD Player/DVDs in my opinion.

If you want to ask anything else feel free, but I feel we are getting a lot for the money invested. They literally use it fulltime, come home from work, iPad, just like us. Come home from work/school, turn on PC.

[Goldencarnage]

This thread is amazing. You know you're not looking for a netbook, right? Get your terminology straight and someone will give you a relevant answer.

Yes someone cleared that up for me. I understand the difference now.

@The Stig : Yeah sounds like an iPad might be the best way to go. I'll just have to activate it and stuff on my computer first before I give it to her. Appreciate the help. Thanks!

[Ksandra]

if you are looking for a tablet, cheapest good one is going to be a hacked nook color.

My husband did that and he loves it.